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Ann Rustebakke Obituary
Ann Rustebakke passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Placitas, NM on the morning of Sept. 30, 2017 at the age of 89. Born in Little Rock, AK on May 9, 1928, Ann is survived by her son Leif, her daughter Siri and her granddaughter Tiana. She was definitely a Taurus.
Ann resided in Sandoval County since 1962. A warm, caring woman, she looked at the world with an open heart and mind and was a friend to many. She was politically active, gave freely of her time to numerous causes and contributed to many charitable concerns. She lived her life reseliently, joyously, deliberately and on her own terms.
She worked with the Bernalillo School District and served on the board of the Bernalillo and Placitas libraries. She was the first editor of the Sandoval County Times-Independent, served for 3 years on the Sandoval County Planning and Zoning Commission and worked for 2 years as cheif appraiser in the county Assessor's office. She was also an appraiser for the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.
Ann had an abiding respect for local wisdom and the natural world. She worked with many local organizations addressing water and agricultural issues. She was instrumental in getting the Bernalillo Farmer's Market off the ground.
As a business owner, she operated the Canyon Quarters in Jemez Springs for the American Youth Hostel. She also owned a unique landmark business, Chile Hill Emporium, sited near where the new bridge is being constructed on 550. Her store specialized in Native American Art, chile and other New Mexico related books and items.
She had a deep appreciation for all kinds of art and expressed herself artistically as a jewlery maker. She was an avid collector with a keen eye for detail. And she was a good cook.
Ann was a longtime subscriber to the Placitas Artist Series, a member of the League of Women Voters, the AAUW, Friends of Placitas, the Sandoval County Historical Society and the Albuquerque Corral of Westerners and worked for 10 years as a host for the Albuquerque Foreign Visitors Committee.
Later, Mom. You had a good run. You touched many and you will be missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Julie Reddan Salmon
October 16, 2017
Ann was a force to be reckoned with: strong, intelligent, determined. And she was a lot of fun. I never spent time with her when I didn't laugh. Via con Dios, Ann. You made a difference in this world.
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John Reddan
October 5, 2017
Aunt Ann was an amazing and strong woman who had a presence, intellect and will that I remember from my childhood (and later) visits even though I didn't really appreciate what it meant at the time. It was unfortunate that our families group up so far apart geographically.
Leon Vialpando
October 4, 2017
As a child growing up in Bernalillo, she was always such a pleasant lady. They don't come any better. Rest in Peace Ms Ann.
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